Location

Banchory, considered to be the gateway to Royal Deeside, is a popular and expanding town located along the picturesque River Dee and overlooked by the renowned Scolty Hill. Within Banchory there is a good range of amenities, including specialist shopping, two large supermarkets, banking, restaurants, a garden centre, hotels, swimming pool, library, health centre and several dentists. There are pre-school facilities available in addition to two primary schools and Banchory Academy which caters for secondary education. Banchory Sports Village provides a range of sporting facilities, including a six lane swimming pool. There are numerous outdoor leisure activities available, including hill walking, horse riding, fishing, gliding and golf. Banchory is also well located for access to the ski resorts at Glenshee and the Lecht during the winter months. Within Aberdeen there are regular train services, including a sleeper to King's Cross London. Aberdeen provides all the services of a major city, including business, leisure and health facilities, theatres and cinemas, restaurants and a wide range of shopping. There is private schooling including Robert Gordon's school, St Margaret's and Albyn as well as the International School at Pitfodels. There are two universities and two colleges of further education.

Description

The original structure of Balbridie farm house is believed to date from the late eighteenth century. A comprehensive restoration of the house was undertaken by the present owners, in 1987/88; subsequent alterations were made to the second floor and to the rear of the property. The guiding principle of the owners was to conserve the historic fabric of the house whilst creating an interior which was equipped for the demands of 21st century living. Fireplaces, wood floors and stone flags were retained where practicable and new double glazed windows, bathrooms, laundry room, kitchen and boot room were added.

Large windows bathe the house in natural light and frame views of the surrounding landscape and gardens. The hallway, landings and two staircases ensure easy navigation of this spacious home.
On the ground floor, there are three reception rooms; an elegant sitting room with original fireplace, mantelpiece, bookshelves and dual aspect windows; a formal dining room also with original fireplace and mantelpiece; a large family sitting room, with garden door, bookshelves and a Nestor Martin cast iron multi-fuel stove, set on a stone hearth within an original recess supported by stone beams. Above this room, is a home office. Off the hallway, is a cloakroom with WC and wash hand basin. The kitchen combines free-standing antique display cabinets with a comprehensive range of fitted floor units and drawers. At its heart, is a deep blue, oil-fired AGA and boiler module, backed by exposed stone. There are dual aspect windows. Off the kitchen, is a boot room with pegs and shoe rack, which gives access to the back door. Off the boot room is a laundry room and separate shower room, with under floor heating. The laundry room is fitted with a range of floor and wall units, sink, washing machine and tumble dryer. A garden door in the laundry room leads to a sheltered patio area.

On the first floor there are three large bedrooms; on the east side is a bedroom with dual aspect windows, fitted double wardrobe and "Aberdeen Press"; in the centre is a spacious family bathroom with bath and separate shower; to the west, a bedroom with double fitted wardrobe and to the north, the principal bedroom with en suite bathroom, dual aspect windows and double fitted wardrobe.
On the second floor are three large bedrooms, two of which, have fitted wardrobes.
All bedrooms enjoy expansive views of the surrounding countryside.

Outside: The property's charm extends outdoors with opportunities for alfresco dining or simply enjoying the garden and views. The grounds extend to approximately five acres and are attractive to wildlife. They include: woodland, with a number of specimen trees; fruit trees including plum and damson; shrubs including lilacs and rhododendron; lawns with naturalised bulbs and a formal garden stocked with perennials and roses. There is a linked steading building of stone with a pitched slate roof, which is divided into two smaller storage rooms and a larger store/workshop. The floors are of concrete and each has a timber-lined external door. To the west is a grass paddock. The boundaries are defined by the March Burn and a mix of stone walls and post and wire fences.